Date of Defense

6-28-2013

Date of Graduation

6-2013

Department

Marketing

First Advisor

Ann Veeck

Second Advisor

Frank Gambino

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship grocery retailers have with their utility company and the smart meter technologies that will be implemented in their grocery stores in the near future. I engaged in background research and conducted qualitative interviews of several Chief Executive Officers and owners of local grocery supermarkets, as well as a contract Chief Financial Officer who works closely with small grocery retail stores. For each interview, the men were asked a series of questions relating to sustainability, smart meters, and store operations.

Saving money at grocery retail stores does not notably come in the form of energy consumption, but perhaps there is a more efficient way that grocery stores can consume energy with the implementation of smart meters. In theory, if the ripple effect holds true, the retailer may save money by saving energy, enabling customers to save money. Smart meters made their debut in Michigan in August 2012 and will continue to replace old analog meters on Michigan customers’ homes and businesses for the next several years. As the transition takes place, grocery store managers may have a new way to monitor their store’s energy consumption and have the information to make more conscious and energy efficient decisions.

Comments

Powerpoint accompanying.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Open Access

Additional Files
Smart Meter Technology and the Effects on Grocery.pptx (606 kB)
Powerpoint Presentation
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